Ann Eriksen, NHS Tayside’s executive lead and commissioner for sexual health and blood-borne virus, said the reduction in birth rates had continued into this year.
She said: “Local data, which includes births up to March 2016, shows these reductions have been sustained in all age groups — the rates in under-18s are now approximately 60% less in than in 2007/08 and almost 70% less in under 16s.
“These reductions are due to the range of programmes that we have put in place in partnership with our local authority and third sector colleagues.
“Schools play a very significant part in delivering effective relationship, sexual health and parenthood education.
“We’ve done much to improve our information and education programmes over recent years to make sure the content is relevant to young people today.
“In Dundee city, we developed an award-winning peer education programme delivered in schools that aims to provide young people with the information, skills and confidence to make healthy decisions about relationships and sexual health.
“We have capitalised on the potential of digital media to reach increasing numbers of young people who can now access information and advice about sexual health and contraception by downloading a free, locally-developed app, NeedTayKnow.
“We are also working with colleagues and young people to encourage higher and more consistent use of contraception.
“We have made it easier for young women to access contraception through their GP and through young people’s services such as The Corner in Dundee.
“We have carried out extensive engagement with young people in the last year about what they believe is important for healthy and happy relationships.
“This information will continue to inform local responses, including how we continue to improve uptake of the most effective forms of contraception.
“Our partner organisations will also be carrying out a review of the measures we have in place to make sure that they are fully consistent with Scottish Government strategy.
“The strategy will drive our actions over the course of the next five years.
“Our long-term aims are to continue to reduce the rates of teenage pregnancy, in particular to reduce unintended pregnancy in younger teenagers.
“We also want to ensure that young women are able to continue their education during their pregnancy and young parents are properly supported.”